Relapse Theatre in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Relapse Theatre has long been a familiar name in Atlanta’s indie comedy and improv scene, especially around the Midtown/Howell Mill area. If you’ve heard people talk about late-night stand-up, underground shows, or local improv in Atlanta, there’s a good chance Relapse Theatre came up.

Because venues in Atlanta can change hands, rebrand, or shift formats over time, it helps to understand what Relapse Theatre is known for, what type of shows it typically offers, and how to plan a visit in the context of Atlanta’s current theatre and comedy landscape.

What Is Relapse Theatre?

Relapse Theatre is best known in Atlanta as a small, alternative performance space with a strong focus on:

• Stand-up comedy
• Improv and sketch
• Experimental and independent theatre
• Occasional music, variety shows, and special events

Instead of traditional, big-budget stage plays, Relapse has historically leaned toward:

• Smaller, more intimate shows
• Local performers and up-and-coming comics
• A laid-back, DIY atmosphere

If you enjoy offbeat comedy, underground shows, or casual late-night performances, Relapse-style programming is often where you’ll find it in Atlanta.

Where Relapse Theatre Fits in Atlanta’s Theatre Scene

Atlanta offers a wide range of theatre options, from large venues to tiny black boxes. Relapse Theatre generally falls into the independent / alt-comedy side of things.

Here’s how it compares to some of the city’s better-known performance types:

*Listed to help you compare options in Atlanta; always check each venue directly for current details.

If you’re choosing where to spend a night out in Atlanta:

• Want polished, touring acts and big productions? You’re better off at the Fox or Alliance.
• Want something loose, local, and risk-taking? A Relapse-style show or similar indie venue may suit you more.

Typical Shows and Experiences at Relapse-Type Venues

Programming at Relapse Theatre has often shifted over time, but audiences generally associate it with:

Stand-Up Comedy Nights

You can expect:

• Local Atlanta comics plus visiting performers
• Showcases with multiple comedians per night
• Occasional open mics, where anyone can sign up

These shows tend to be:

• More affordable than large clubs
• A chance to see new talent before they move to bigger stages
• Often a bit edgier or more experimental in style and content

Improv and Sketch Comedy

Relapse Theatre has also been historically linked to:

• House improv teams or recurring improv shows
• Sketch-comedy nights with written, rehearsed pieces
• Collaborative events with other Atlanta improv communities

If you enjoy fast-paced, audience-driven comedy, checking for improv offerings at spaces associated with Relapse’s legacy or similar venues (like Dad’s Garage in the Old Fourth Ward) can be worthwhile.

Special Events and One-Off Shows

From time to time, Relapse Theatre or successor/partner spaces have hosted:

• Themed comedy nights (holiday shows, “roast” shows, character shows)
• Festivals highlighting local stand-up or improv
• Experimental theatre or variety acts, such as storytelling, live readings, or alt-arts events

These special events often appeal to locals who want something beyond the standard bar or movie night.

Finding Current Info on Relapse Theatre in Atlanta

Because smaller venues in Atlanta can change addresses, close, re-open, or rebrand, you should:

1. Search specifically with “Atlanta” and the neighborhood you expect (e.g., “Relapse Theatre Atlanta comedy”).
2. Check the most recent event listings on:
   • Major Atlanta event calendars
   • Local comedy and theatre community boards
3. Look for:
   • An up-to-date address
   • Current show schedule
   • Any notes about renovation, relocation, or new management

If you ever show up at an address you’ve found online and it looks like the space has changed hands, that’s not unusual in Atlanta. In that case, look for nearby indie venues—often the same performers and audiences simply migrate to another small theatre or bar stage close by.

Planning a Visit: Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

1. Location and Transportation

Relapse Theatre has historically been linked with central intown neighborhoods where most indie theatre action takes place, such as:

• Midtown / Howell Mill area
• West Midtown / Upper Westside
• Other nearby intown spots

When you find the current address, consider:

• MARTA access:
  • Many indie theatres are a short ride from Arts Center or Midtown MARTA stations, then a walk or rideshare.
• Parking:
  • Smaller venues may rely on street parking or shared lots.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid circling the block.

2. Tickets and Seating

Relapse-style venues in Atlanta often use:

• Online ticketing platforms for advance ticket sales
• Cash or card at the door, if the show isn’t sold out
• General admission seating, meaning first-come, first-served

To avoid issues:

• 🕒 Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a better seat.
• 💳 Bring a backup payment option in case there’s a minimum or door-only policy.
• 👥 If you’re in a group, arriving together improves your chances of sitting together in a small house.

3. Age Limits and Content

Comedy at Relapse-type theatres in Atlanta often includes adult language and themes. Many shows are:

• Recommended for 18+ audiences
• Occasionally 21+, especially when the emphasis is on a bar-like environment

Always check:

• Age restrictions noted for the specific show
• Whether you need a physical ID, especially for 21+ shows

4. Food and Drink

Many independent theatres in Atlanta operate with:

• A small bar (beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks)
• Limited snacks, like chips or candy
• Sometimes no kitchen, meaning no full meals

Plan accordingly:

• Eat before the show if you need a full dinner.
• If you’re unsure, call ahead to ask whether outside food is allowed; policies vary.

How Relapse Theatre Compares to Other Atlanta Night-Out Options

If you’re trying to decide where to go in Atlanta for an evening:

Choose Relapse-style theatre if you:

• Prefer intimate spaces over big auditoriums
• Like local, underground, or experimental comedy
• Don’t mind shows that feel raw, informal, or unpredictable
• Want to support Atlanta-based performers and creators

Consider bigger or more traditional theatres if you:

• Want Broadway tours, large musical productions, or classic plays
• Need assigned seating and a very formal environment
• Are attending with a larger group or for a special-occasion night that calls for a polished setting

Many locals mix both: they might see a major production at The Fox Theatre one weekend and check out a smaller comedy show at an indie venue another weekend.

Tips for Visitors New to Atlanta’s Theatre and Comedy Scene

If you’re visiting Atlanta and curious about Relapse Theatre or similar venues, a few local-minded suggestions:

• Combine with dinner nearby.
  Many indie theatres sit close to strong restaurant corridors (for example, Howell Mill, Midtown, or the Westside). Expect busy Friday and Saturday nights; reservations can help.

• Check late-night options.
  Some comedy shows start later than typical theatre performances. If you’re staying downtown or in Midtown, it’s usually easy to grab a rideshare after the show.

• Look at adjacent venues.
  Often, if one small theatre or comedy space has an unusual schedule or is in transition, a nearby venue will have similar types of shows. Exploring listings for places like Dad’s Garage, Laughing Skull Lounge, or neighborhood playhouses can give you more options in the same general style.

If You Can’t Find a Current Listing for Relapse Theatre

Because business names and operations can shift, you might occasionally find that:

• The Relapse Theatre name isn’t currently active, or
• The physical space is now operating under a different brand or management

If that happens but you still want the Relapse-style experience in Atlanta, you can:

1. Search for “Atlanta indie comedy theatre”, “Atlanta improv theatre,” or “Atlanta stand-up showcase.”
2. Check local calendars for:
   • Intown small theatres
   • Comedy bars
   • Improv troupes
3. Follow local comedy and theatre communities on social platforms; many former Relapse performers and audiences migrate together to new stages.

The feel—intimate, offbeat, very Atlanta—often continues even if the sign on the door has changed.

Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors

• Relapse Theatre is associated with independent comedy and small-scale theatre in Atlanta, especially intimate shows and local performers.
• It offers (or has historically offered) stand-up, improv, sketch, and special events with a more underground, alternative vibe than large venues.
• Always confirm the current address, schedule, and operating status before heading out, because small venues in Atlanta can evolve quickly.
• If you like casual, up-close performances and supporting local talent, Relapse-style venues are an excellent addition to your list of things to do in Atlanta, especially for a relaxed night out with friends.